Cheek Melasma: What You Need to Know
Melasma on the cheeks is a common skin condition that affects both men and women, although it is more prevalent among women, particularly after the age of 20.
The symptoms of cheek melasma are quite noticeable. Typically, yellow to dark brown spots and patches appear symmetrically on both cheeks, with undefined sizes and boundaries. Without early intervention, these spots can spread to other areas like the forehead, chin, and nose.
“Areas affected by melasma are often more sensitive to sunlight, prone to irritation, and itching. The skin affected by melasma is also rougher and thicker compared to normal skin,” Dr. Cooper explained.
Many individuals mistakenly confuse melasma with freckles or post-acne dark spots.
Dr. Cooper suggests that you can self-examine for melasma at home by observing your skin under natural light. If you notice the aforementioned signs, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist to determine the condition’s cause and explore treatment options.
Some traditional remedies are believed to treat cheek melasma at home, such as perilla leaves, aloe vera, honey, turmeric, and coconut oil. These methods are simple, the ingredients are easy to find, and they generally do not cause skin irritation.
However, Dr. Cooper notes that while these methods can be effective, they often do not address the root cause of melasma. For those not seeing the desired results, advanced high-tech melasma treatments may be worth considering.
Specifically, thermal effects from the treatment help fade melasma, even out skin tone, boost collagen and elastin production, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin structure. This technology also creates microchannels that allow active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and essential nutrients to penetrate deeply into the skin, enhancing its plumpness and overall appearance.
